Let’s tackle another essential for your wedding checklist: a gifts sign for wedding receptions. Bride-to-be Lisa wrote us about a gifts sign for her wedding and whether she really needs one. We’re helping her out with those questions and recommending what kind of gifts sign to look for. She writes,

“Hi Emmaline! I don’t have a gifts sign for my wedding. Do I really need one? I know I need a card box but do I also need a sign for gifts? Or will guests know it’s where to put gifts? Thanks for your input.”

Do I really need a gifts sign?

Great question, Lisa! Yes, all couples need a gifts sign for wedding receptions. As you pointed out, you do need a card box (and we definitely recommend a card box with lock — and here’s why). At weddings, it is best to put signs up to make things as clear as possible, even if you assume guests know what to do or where to put gifts. Also, signage in places really adds an element of decor to your wedding reception space.

A gifts sign for wedding cards and gifts is a great way to show guests there’s a designated table or area where guests are safely kept and will be given to the newlyweds. Plus, without a gifts sign, guests may assume a gift goes in one area and it might get lost. With a proper gifts sign in place, everything is kept in one area and you can have someone designated to keep an eye on the gifts table (like your mom, Maid of Honor, or a bridesmaid).

Why you should move your gifts after dinner

Make sure you move your wedding gifts and cards away from the wedding reception at a specified time (usually right after dinner — most gifts and cards are placed by then). This is a great precaution to take in order to prevent any lost or stolen wedding gifts. Crazy, I know, but it is better to be safe than sorry. While stealing wedding gifts or cards isn’t typically a common thing that happens, it can happen, especially if your wedding takes place at a large banquet facility with many weddings going on at once, or an open area where it’s easy to access the gifts.

For this reason, we recommend the gifts be moved to a parent or Maid of Honor‘s car trunk locked, which is the safest option. This way, you can be assured your wedding gifts and cards make it safely to you after the big day.

What kind of gifts sign should I get?

The best gifts sign for wedding cards and presents is one that is free-standing, so it won’t need to be propped against something (which almost always falls over). This free-standing gifts sign for wedding receptions is perfect and is handmade by ZCreate Design. You can choose a cards and gift sign in white to coordinate with any decor, or choose any custom color you can imagine — even a glitter-covered sign!

Prefer a more rustic look? This gifts sign is made of wood:

As an alternative, you can get a gifts sign printed out and placed in a frame with a stand (so it’s free-standing). This sign is available as a printable PDF at Willow Lane Paperie.

Tell us: are you using a gifts sign for wedding cards / presents? What style are you choosing? Tell us in the comments below!

P.S. Thanks for your question, Lisa! // Need wedding advice? Just Ask Emmaline and we’ll swoop in to help! That’s what we’re here for. :)

P.S.S. Wondering about other wedding signage? Read: 16 Best Signage Ideas for Weddings (PHOTOS) for inspiration.

♥

Happy Planning!

xo
Emma